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Was there any indication that these were being allocated to two strangers? Is it possible that if they were not taken by a couple, they would only be occupied by just one person?In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
In my experience at O Cebreiro and a couple of other places random people were next to each other. That certainly happened to me at O Cebreiro.Was there any indication that these were being allocated to two strangers? Is it possible that if they were not taken by a couple, they would only be occupied by just one person?
Some of the large albergues push two bunks together to fit more in. From memory, the municipal at O Cebreiro is one of these and there are others. They are not actually double beds but you are immediately next to another person.
These may have changed since Covid, not sure.
Definitely more the exception than the rule.Hopefully this is the exception rather than the rule.
The person in the video walked in 2014. The dormitory shown in the video doesn't exist anymore. The building that it was in is now an exhibition and conference centre. The albergue is in a different building and the beds are modern (first photo below). The municipal albergue in Najera that has been mentioned in this thread has also been renovated and reopened a few months ago (second photo below). As you can see, in both cases there are now wooden separators between those beds that are close together.I took another look at the YouTube video, and indeed it does look like it's two bunkbeds pushed together. You can see the photo at the 23:35 mark in this long video:
When I was in this situation in Najera, I was shoved up against a stranger. We hung our towels as space separators.Was there any indication that these were being allocated to two strangers? Is it possible that if they were not taken by a couple, they would only be occupied by just one person?
The only time that I drew the short straw and was in a "double bunk" was on the Portuguese Camino in the municipal albergue in São Pedro de Rates.I saw none on the Portuguese route -- central -- and that was over some 15 or 16 nights I think.
Yes, sleeping in close proximity to others and sharing mixed-gender bathrooms bothered me much less than one would think. I found others to be very respectful of privacy and I was happy to have a place inside to sleep.I have slept in those double bunk beds next to a stranger, a man. I think it was in Calzadilla. It was the last available bed in town. It did not bother me, I was grateful not to be sleeping outside.
I encountered that in several places, sometimes pushed together, sometimes very close together with a tiny gap.Some of the large albergues push two bunks together to fit more in. From memory, the municipal at O Cebreiro is one of these and there are others. They are not actually double beds but you are immediately next to another person.
These may have changed since Covid, not sure.
On thé Camino Arles in 2016, this was not what we expected when we - and two French pilgrims we’d been walking with - arrived at a gite in Saint Guilhem le Désert. A few hours earlier we rang ahead to be told, yes we have a four person room. They were the last available beds in the village. Cosy! Upside … it is a gorgeous village.
Indeed. One phrase I still recall from staying in German youth hostels during summer 1959 is "Fußende" on one end of each blanket provided. Thus all smelly feet touched only one place.Setups like that are quite common in huts for mountain hiking and climbing, for example in the alps. All matresses directly next to each other, like one giant bed! In german there's even a word for it, "Matratzenlager".
I have been lucky enough to serve as a hospitalero. Consider that extra bed yours in busy times when you arrive late? When the albergue is chockers, an extra €10 is going to make little difference. I am taking into cognizance your gratefulness so please do not consider this as a slap on the wrist.It’s an extra 7€ to 12€ for every bed they can squeeze in, and two more pilgrims with a bed in a crowded season...........
Yes, indeed it is stunning. Some beautiful places along this route. But I think we were in a chambre d'hotes.On thé Camino Arles in 2016, this was not what we expected when we - and two French pilgrims we’d been walking with - arrived at a gite in Saint Guilhem le Désert. A few hours earlier we rang ahead to be told, yes we have a four person room. They were the last available beds in the village. Cosy! Upside … it is a gorgeous village.
That’s for sure. I was with Domi, my husband. We had not booked anything ahead except occasionally on the morning of arrival so were not anticipating any problem. I can’t recall what was going on at the time in the village but we literally got the last four beds! It was quite funny and we all survived!Yes, indeed it is stunning. Some beautiful places along this route. But I think we were in a chambre d'hotes.
There are some advantages in travelling with a partner. Sharing a double bed is one.
Yes, they used to REALLY have the beds close together in Roncesvalles. On my first Camino in 2006, I slept "next" to a guy I didn't know. A little weird feeling. Joe was in the bunk under me.I remember one occasion now (2008). Unfortunately, my "neighbour" was a young mobilophonic woman who chatted and texted all night. It was in Roncesvelles. As a former computer engineer, I now condemn all electronic devices. Except my own ones.
I had a similar experience in roncesvelles. The guy next to me was yelling at late comers all night, and then got on his phone and was talking loudly in the very early morning. That’s what you get when you arrive too late for a single bedI remember one occasion now (2008). Unfortunately, my "neighbour" was a young mobilophonic woman who chatted and texted all night. It was in Roncesvelles. As a former computer engineer, I now condemn all electronic devices. Except my own ones.
As a Hospitalero I recall no single beds in Salamanca / Single beds in Ribadiso were reserved for people over six feet tall / No single beds in Estella. None of these locations pushed beds together. This was all pre-Covid.I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
Renshaw,.....
@mspath , Hey Margaret , that big barn at Roncesvalles , I was designated bed 104! Just made it.
I’m having a good giggle. At first glance, I read this as “..and then a small one for corpses.”There was a dorm for women and one for men..and then a small one for couples.
I think those high season € help subsidize the winter months when the albergue is either closed or has to pay for heat. Every bit helps. Thank you for your service.I have been lucky enough to serve as a hospitalero. Consider that extra bed yours in busy times when you arrive late? When the albergue is chockers, an extra €10 is going to make little difference. I am taking into cognizance your gratefulness so please do not consider this as a slap on the wrist.
I feel we and I do say WE , expect sooooooo much for so little?
Did you end up marrying him?I have encountered them many times on various Caminos. Most recently on the Salvador in la Robla where a nice Spanish man gave up his bottom bunk for me so I shared with his friend. They are called matrimonials,I believe.
Hola. Just completed the CF. Only place I saw true double bunks was in Albergue A Reboleiru (highly recommended and best pilgrim dins, across the road). Here’s a pic, only self stayed in the loft (Oct 9) as was an overflow space. Can’t imagine in time of Covid and foreseeable future that strangers would share a double (ie non travelling companions).I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
Great idea!One place did this by taking off the top beds
Came across them in Boadilla del Camino, albergue ‘en el camino’. I thought it was a mistake at the time!I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
Rarely saw such a thing. Couple of times two singles were pushed together, but those were only filled with couples.I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
I found myself in one in Santa Catalina. I had met the young lady a couple days earlier. She had a great sense of humor. It felt awkward but I made it through the night. She didn't complain. I just shrugged and thought it's part of the journey, not always what I want, but I will make do.I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
Yeah Najera has always been packed, over my walks I have only noticed young people pushing bunks closer together, for me I am always to stuffed to notice or care.I recall that the bunk beds were remarkably close at the Najera municipal when I stayed there in 2010, and there were still places on the CF in 2016 that were similarly densely packed. I don't remember them being pushed up next to each other, but they were so close that you could only get out on one side, and even then there wasn't a lot of space to do that.
I thru-hiked the Camino Frances in 2019. Never saw that. I saw plenty of bunk beds, but it was 1 pilgrim above and 1 below.I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
The beds at Najera have now been reduced to 50+ so this is no longer the situation.I recall that the bunk beds were remarkably close at the Najera municipal when I stayed there in 2010, and there were still places on the CF in 2016 that were similarly densely packed. I don't remember them being pushed up next to each other, but they were so close that you could only get out on one side, and even then there wasn't a lot of space to do that.
Yes, things have definitely changed in O Cebreiro since you were there. This photo was taken in the municipal a few weeks ago, 4 single beds (only 3 are visible in my picture) in a HUGE room.Some of the large albergues push two bunks together to fit more in. From memory, the municipal at O Cebreiro is one of these and there are others. They are not actually double beds but you are immediately next to another person.
These may have changed since Covid, not sure.
Does anyone know how to access that documentary from Canada? I tried ordering it from amazon.com but wasn't able to, and it's not available on amazon.ca. I'd love to see it.I suggest that you watch the Camino Documentary: Six ways to Santiago.
Pilgrim Annie is forced to sleep on the floor next to some strange guy. When Annie is struggles to walk the Camino on the following day, the same stranger carries her pack for her.
Home - Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago
Previous Next Over 2000 airings on PBS stations with 1.2 million viewers. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes ★★★★★ 5/5 Buy or Rent Compra o Alquilacaminodocumentary.org
-Paul
If your public or university library has Kanopy or Hoopla (library streaming services), there's a good chance you'll be able to see Six ways to Santiago there. (That said, I believe individual libraries choose the content available so ymmv).Does anyone know how to access that documentary from Canada?
There is a snippet on youtube atDoes anyone know how to access that documentary from Canada? I tried ordering it from amazon.com but wasn't able to, and it's not available on amazon.ca. I'd love to see it.
I bought the DVD from IvarThere is a snippet on youtube at
here's the link to the dvd in Ivar's shopI bought the DVD from Ivar
Great word. I love German.Setups like that are quite common in huts for mountain hiking and climbing, for example in the alps. All matresses directly next to each other, like one giant bed! In german there's even a word for it, "Matratzenlager".
Where is that albergue?Thanks for the feedback all! I took another look at the YouTube video, and indeed it does look like it's two bunkbeds pushed together. You can see the photo at the 23:35 mark in this long video:. I've also attached a screen grab.
Hopefully this is the exception rather than the rule. No doubt things are different during COVID, but even after the pandemic is long gone I'm hoping to have at least a few inches of dead space between me and a stranger sleeping next to me. I get that there's a great community on the camino, but...
The video/screen grab looks like it's from a albergue with lots of character. No doubt many of you will recognize it. Looking closer I can see it's two bunks pushed together.
I remember one occasion now (2008). Unfortunately, my "neighbour" was a young mobilophonic woman who chatted and texted all night. It was in Roncesvelles. As a former computer engineer, I now condemn all electronic devices. Except my own ones.
As @Kathar1na mentioned above, it's the old albergue in Roncesvalles.Where is that albergue?
Was there any indication that these were being allocated to two strangers? Is it possible that if they were not taken by a couple, they would only be occupied by just one person?
I was assigned a bunk next to a stranger of the opposite sex. It's not one double mattress, it's two singles pushed together. Hanging my towel as a curtain gave me enough privacy so that I didn't wake up in the middle of the night cheek to cheek with my not quite bedmate.Was there any indication that these were being allocated to two strangers? Is it possible that if they were not taken by a couple, they would only be occupied by just one person?
The only double bed I have come across was in a private room. I took the room and stayed alone. I also slept in bunks that were pushed close to each other. Being in my own sleeping bag I didn’t really stress over the proximity of my fellow pilgrims. Under no circumstances have I ever witnessed two pilgrims forced to share a bed.I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
The video was posted in response #10 in this thread. The albergue has been identified as the old albergue in Roncesvalles by @Kathar1naThe only double bed I have come across was in a private room. I took the room and stayed alone. I also slept in bunks that were pushed close to each other. Being in my own sleeping bag I didn’t really stress over the proximity of my fellow pilgrims. Under no circumstances have I ever witnessed two pilgrims forced to share a bed.
Perhaps a posted link to the you-tube video would allow for an explanation from hospitaleros. It may also allow for the albergue to be recognized.
Just sayin
The person in the video walked in 2014. The dormitory shown in the video doesn't exist anymore. The building that it was in is now an exhibition and conference centre. The albergue is in a different building and the beds are modern (first photo below). The municipal albergue in Najera that has been mentioned in this thread has also been renovated and reopened a few months ago (second photo below). As you can see, in both cases there are now wooden separators between those beds that are close together.
View attachment 112031
Me tooIn my experience at O Cebreiro and a couple of other places random people were next to each other. That certainly happened to me at O Cebreiro.
Just for clarification: The title of the thread says “double bed” but the beds shown in the video of the former albergue in Roncesvalles are actually single bunk beds pushed together with no space between two beds. In contrast to this, a double bed, or in Spanish a cama matrimonial, is a single bed frame with either one or two mattresses.Under no circumstances have I ever witnessed two pilgrims forced to share a bed.
Valid point, but the result is exactly the same - you sleep right next to a stranger. In fact, when my wife and I have received “matrimonial” beds in different camino spots, they are almost always just two single beds pushed together. Since you bring your own sleeping sacks or bags, it really doesn’t matter.Just for clarification: The title of the thread says “double bed” but the beds shown in the video of the former albergue in Roncesvalles are actually single bunk beds pushed together with no space between two beds.
I remember the same. Still not OK as it was forcing people that didn't know each other to almost be sharing the same bed.Some of the large albergues push two bunks together to fit more in. From memory, the municipal at O Cebreiro is one of these and there are others. They are not actually double beds but you are immediately next to another person.
These may have changed since Covid, not sure.
I remember the same. Still not OK as it was forcing people that didn't know each other to almost be sharing the same bed.
Yes, by then you will know them quite intimately and have a better experience.This humbling experience will give you a much better appreciation of the next night in a hotel room with private bath.
I'm sorry, but I don't get this. First, if you choose to stay in a place that uses this practice, you aren't being 'forced', you are accepting the conditions as you find them. Find somewhere else if you don't like it that much. Second, how close do beds have to be for one to be 'almost sharing the same bed'? For some people, sharing the same dormitory might be enough to increase their level of discomfort at the loss of personal privacy, and it's all downhill after that. Third, as others have pointed out, there are arrangements with even less privacy in places like mountain huts where there is a single, communal, sleeping platform that everyone shares.Still not OK as it was forcing people that didn't know each other to almost be sharing the same bed.
If you are a woman walking on her own and it's the only albergue within your plan and you can't walk further, it's not exactly a choice. And it's really not funny either. The emoji about having communal showers is belittling what I'm trying to say. I've walked five caminos solo and at the end of the day I don't want to be sleeping so close to a stranger in could be in the same bed.I'm sorry, but I don't get this. First, if you choose to stay in a place that uses this practice, you aren't being 'forced', you are accepting the conditions as you find them. Find somewhere else if you don't like it that much. Second, how close to beds have to be for one to be 'almost sharing the same bed'? For some people, sharing the same dormitory might be enough to increase their level of discomfort at the loss of personal privacy, and it's all downhill after that. Third, as others have pointed out, there are arrangements with even less privacy in places like mountain huts where there is a single, communal, sleeping platform that everyone shares.⁷
To recap:
Yes, some albergues have what appear to be double bunks, but they are actually two bunks pushed together. (It looks like there is at least one private albergue that has double mattress bed on the lower bunk with a single bed on top)
Yes, you may be assigned a bunk like this right next to a stranger. If that situation makes you uncomfortable, you can ask for a different bed, or you don't have to stay in that albergue.
Are they common? No, but they aren't rare.
The post that started this conversation referred to a video with pictures from the old Roncesvalles albergue where there were a number of such beds. This is not the case at all in the new albergue.
Next up - Coed showers?
I would suggest that it is not unreasonable, perhaps not while we are still implementing tighter public health measures, but in more normal times, for albergues to do this. If you don't like it, so be it. Find another place to stay, don't expect your personal sensibilities to be the standard for others who would otherwise be happy to accept a bed even when the beds are jammed together.
Is this an experience you have faced?If you are a woman walking on her own and it's the only albergue within your plan and you can't walk further, it's not exactly a choice.
I'm sorry that you took my comment as being insensitive. It was meant to be a comment about how some of these threads tend to go. Someone asks a question based on something that they've read or a video that they have watched, then the question is basically answered in the first few posts, but the thread continues until it's up to 100 responses or so.The emoji about having communal showers is belittling what I'm trying to say.
Sorry, you are absolutely right. I'm being over sensitive! Navigating blogs can be so difficult sometimes and it's easy to get the wrong end of the stick or take umbridge where it's not intended.I'm sorry that you took my comment as being insensitive. It was meant to be a comment about how some of these threads tend to go. Someone asks a question based on something that they've read or a video that they have watched, then the question is basically answered in the first few posts, but the thread continues until it's up to 100 responses or so.
I was just wondering when someone would ask if there are communal showers on the Camino followed by 100+ responses.
This post is a good example of how the emotional make up of an individual influences how they/I can perceive a particular situation; a feeling of dread and angst can be true for one, but usually not understood by another.I dread the pushed together bunks and the "sharing" with a stranger. I have gotten better at asking for a different bed in such situations because I know that my anxiety means I simply can't sleep if a man I don't know well is that close.
I’m sure that thread will read much like this one. They are rare, but do exist, can be very uncomfortable, but space is at a premium, using them is optional, etc., etc.Next up - Coed showers?
If you are a woman walking on her own and it's the only albergue within your plan and you can't walk further, it's not exactly a choice.
There are many people who choose not to stay in albergues at all, because they don't like the possible discomforts of the communal experience, or they have a need to avoid certain conditions. They avoid this by planning and reserving private accommodation. This would be more expensive, but nobody owes us cheap accommodation in Spain.I dread the pushed together bunks
Please don't suggest that that my dread and anxiety is somehow a personal "discomfort" - I have stayed in plenty of diffferent albergues and pilgrim accomodation - but your post seems to have dismissed me as just having a personal dislike rather than a serious issue with anxiety and PTSD in response to past incidents. And my point was that it was often possible to find work arounds - and without having to give up on the communal experience that I enjoy staying in alberguesThere are many people who choose not to stay in albergues at all, because they don't like the possible discomforts of the communal experience. They avoid this by planning and reserving private accommodation. This would be more expensive, but nobody owes us cheap accommodation in Spain
I did not intend to dismiss anyone's wish or need to avoid certain situations. I used the word "discomfort" in a broad sense, but will edit my post. If you have a need to avoid certain situations, then you should do so.Please don't suggest that that my dread and anxiety is somehow a personal "discomfort" - I have stayed in plenty of diffferent albergues and pilgrim accomodation - but your post seems to have dismissed me as just having a personal dislike rather than a serious issue with anxiety and PTSD in response to past incidents. And my point was that it was often possible to find work arounds - and without having to give up on the communal experience that I enjoy staying in albergues
Thank-you!I did not intend to dismiss anyone's wish or need to avoid certain situations. I used the word "discomfort" in a broad sense, but will edit my post. If you have a need to avoid certain situations, then you should do so.
Hopefully, they are mean for families!!!I was watching a YouTube video yesterday, and for the first time I saw an albergues that had double bunkbeds. By that I mean both the top and bottom bunks were actually double beds, for two people.
In other words, you would be sleeping next to and in the same bed as a stranger (assuming you're walking alone).
I'm cool with sharing the room with a bunch of pilgrims, but less cool about sharing my actual bed. How common are these double bed bunks?
ah yes, the section "matrimonio"The donativo albergue of Santa Maria de Carbajal in Leon. CF 2011.
Albergue del convento de las carbajalas | Albergue de Peregrinos en León | Gronze.com
Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue del convento de las carbajalas, en León: Precio, plazas, características, etc...www.gronze.com
My impression was that there were three bunkbeds next to each other...
View attachment 112043
There was a dorm for women and one for men..and then a small one for couples.
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